Showing posts with label music. Show all posts
Showing posts with label music. Show all posts
Musique Mardi: Irma & Gad
Revisiting my old Musique Mardi series to share this sweet little jam session of Parisian musician Irma with my favorite French comedian Gad Elmaleh (seriously, I love Gad) doing a rendition of Isn't She Lovely. *happy sigh*
Musique Mardi: くじら12号
The summer I turned 19, I was obsessed with all things j-pop. My days were spent poring over magazines from the Japanese market and dreaming of Harajuku shopping excursions, watching videos of Long Vacation (if you haven't seen it, follow the link -- I promise you'll be hooked {it has English subtitles}), and listening to my Judy and Mary cd over and over (and over) again.
くじら12号 (Whale no.12) is my favorite track off the album because of the imagery of the lyrics -- it's like listening to a punk bedtime story.
A few of the best (nonsensical) lines:
With imitation diamonds
I want a love affair made up of lies
My lover will be kidnapped
Let's rescue him from the monster's castle
The golden-colored travellers are waiting
Let's hurry into the fairytale
Once the sun wakes up
Let's take that boat
Cuddling, swimming through the melting snow like whales
At the end of the sky that no one yet knows
Is probably a blindingly bright glass door
I want to feel the spine-tingling kick of a dolphin
*Coming later this week: a post about summertime in Japan!
Musical Interlude Tuesday : Make Her Say
Today's choice of Kid Cudi's Make Her Say was selected for the simple reason that at any given moment during the day, that Gaga sample is stuck in my head.
I may look like I'm lost in thought, deeply contemplating love, life, and the pursuit of happiness, but inside my mind is just a nonsensical loop of OH oh-oh-oh OH oh-oh-oh pah pah pah pah pah pah pah poker face... I dare you to listen and not suffer the same fate.
Meanwhile, I am putting together another collage-arific travelogue to share later this week!
Musical Interlude Tuesday : Con d'Homme
I couldn't even begin to describe the convoluted path of links that led me to this song, but my foray into French music began with an evening spent curled up with one of my most favorite films, Hors de Prix (a.k.a. Priceless).
C'est delicieuse, non?
The song is Con d'Homme, by Camille Bazbaz, and yes, I think the title sounds like that intentionally. Am not too sure what its about or what's going on in that faux 70's porno video, but there is something hypnotic and languid and lovely in his crooning.
Musical Interlude Tuesday : I've Got Nothing
This week's featured song is one I only just discovered yesterday.
Reasons why I love it:
- it will cheer you up like nobody's business
- it was cobbled together by some talented kids
- it features my favorite phenomenon -- a whole bunch of strangers joining forces to create something delightful
- cute British boy!
- it's so very, very catchy (just wait, you'll be singing it in the shower tomorrow morning)
- if you buy the song on iTunes, the money goes towards the Children in Need foundation
- the line "if you were sunshine, I'd bathe in you" is kind of awesome
Musical Interlude Tuesday : I Wanna Be Sedated
I'm not the only one who, whenever I hear this, flashes back to that scene in My So-Called Life where Jordan Catalano has to sing it on stage after the original lead singer bails, and he turns out to be perfect... right? right?
In any case, I have loved this Ramones song for longer than I can remember, and the thing is -- it never gets old. It's sublimely messy and utterly sing-able; a kind of anthem for bored youth with a joy that belies the jaded lyrics.
Musical Interlude Tuesday : Southside
Today's Musical Interlude Tuesday: Moby's Southside, featuring my favorite blonde, Gwen Stefani. Because it reminds me of driving along Hollywood Blvd. in the middle of the night one summer years ago, because I'd forgotten how much I liked it until I just rediscovered it yesterday, and because the shot of Gwen licking Moby's scalp = crazy hotness.
Musical Interlude Tuesday : La Vie en Rose
February, a month for heart-shaped boxes, chocolate confections, lace-edged doilies, pink and red roses, but mostly love (in every shape and hue). Pomplamoose channeling Edith Piaf seems about the right mix of sweet with a sprinkle of melancholy and nostalgia.
Musical Interlude Tuesday : S-N double O-P
Another classic from ye olde archives. The silky smooth stylings of Mr.D-O double G.
In other news: my new macbook pro arrived this morning! Hmm, that didn't take long after I posted it in my wishlist. This bodes well for my dreams of new cameras and trips abroad...
Musical Interlude Tuesday : summer's ready when you are
What's that sound? Oh, it's my 14 yr old self rushing to press "record" as this song comes on the RADIO so I can add it to my MIX TAPE. Ah 20th century, you were a simpler time...
Musical Interlude Tuesday : How Soon is Now?
I have written before about my love of a good remake, and this week the song in question is the iconic 80's Smiths tune, How Soon is Now, as interpreted by those t.A.T.u girls. I've long had a bad impression of the duo, but there is no getting around the fact that not only have they done justice to the original song, but they've brought even more to it.
I've been thinking a lot about this issue of reconciling the artist with the art itself -- where do you draw the line? In the case of t.A.T.u., I don't appreciate their history of obnoxious behaviour, but that doesn't stop me from loving and sharing their music. When it comes to Chris Brown, though, as much as I really, really like both of his newest singles, I would feel mighty uncomfortable promoting them here. Is it possible to look at the art on its own merit and appreciate it, no matter who created it? Food for thought.
Lena and Yulia's version:
And the original Smiths. Morrissey rocks some AWESOME moves you guys.
I've been thinking a lot about this issue of reconciling the artist with the art itself -- where do you draw the line? In the case of t.A.T.u., I don't appreciate their history of obnoxious behaviour, but that doesn't stop me from loving and sharing their music. When it comes to Chris Brown, though, as much as I really, really like both of his newest singles, I would feel mighty uncomfortable promoting them here. Is it possible to look at the art on its own merit and appreciate it, no matter who created it? Food for thought.
Lena and Yulia's version:
And the original Smiths. Morrissey rocks some AWESOME moves you guys.
Musical Interlude Tuesday : Year End Edition
For today, a very special edition of Musical Interlude Tuesday, in which I present my top 5 songs of the year. To clarify, these are not necessarily songs that came out in 2009, but just the ones that were in heaviest rotation on my iTunes. Without further ado:
5. I Gotta Feeling by the Black Eyed Peas
This was playing on the radio every single time we got in the rental car while in Hawaii, so it makes me think of palm trees and surfers and sunblock lotion and sand in my toes and freedom and hanging out with some great girls.
4. Not Big by Lily Allen
Best break-up song ever. Lily is like my eloquently crass and doll-faced alter-ego; the girl who voices (loudly) the thoughts I'm far too polite (read: scared) to say.
3. Every Single Song (especially this one, and this one) by the Glee Cast
I know, you're shocked. I only talk about Glee almost every other week.
2. Daisy Cutter by 311
To me, 311 embodies the quintessential SoCal sound of my youth (like early No Doubt), and it was perfect timing that I discovered their Uplifter album just before my trip to Huntington Beach. It sounds like bright sunlight and skateboards and sushi rolls and tattoos and New Age philosophy and falling in love.
1. Stay Crunchy by Ronald Jenkees
Boyfriend can jam.
5. I Gotta Feeling by the Black Eyed Peas
This was playing on the radio every single time we got in the rental car while in Hawaii, so it makes me think of palm trees and surfers and sunblock lotion and sand in my toes and freedom and hanging out with some great girls.
4. Not Big by Lily Allen
Best break-up song ever. Lily is like my eloquently crass and doll-faced alter-ego; the girl who voices (loudly) the thoughts I'm far too polite (read: scared) to say.
3. Every Single Song (especially this one, and this one) by the Glee Cast
I know, you're shocked. I only talk about Glee almost every other week.
2. Daisy Cutter by 311
To me, 311 embodies the quintessential SoCal sound of my youth (like early No Doubt), and it was perfect timing that I discovered their Uplifter album just before my trip to Huntington Beach. It sounds like bright sunlight and skateboards and sushi rolls and tattoos and New Age philosophy and falling in love.
1. Stay Crunchy by Ronald Jenkees
Boyfriend can jam.
Musical Interlude Tuesday : Do Dil
Today's musical offering is from Noori, a Pakistani band comprised of two brothers. I came upon this completely by accident (I was looking for a song called Noori) and immediately fell for it -- I think it has something to do with a particular guitar chord, or combination of chords that I respond to. Not being musical I don't know what that chord is, but when I hear it, my whole being seems to vibrate at the same frequency. Robert Fulghum described this phenomenon in one of his books (apparently the hum of his refrigerator matches his personal key).
The video has entirely too much soulful-eyes-looking-into-the-camera and emo hair-tossing and the first 30 seconds gets annoying, BUT the brothers are kinda beautiful and those opening chords just make my heart sing.
Musical Interlude Tuesday : Glee
The songs from Glee have been dominating my playlists for the past few months, and the mid-season finale brought three more tracks of aural bliss into my life and headphones. It was an utterly satisfying episode and it just makes me sad to think of anyone not watching the show and denying themselves of this pure, unadulterated JOY.
Rachel's rendition of Rain on My Parade is shiver-inducing-ly pitch perfect, and their interpretation of the Stone's classic is awesome, especially because it has long been a personal theme-song of mine. But my favorite has to be the closing number because of sheer exuberance + the fun of spotting the dance moves they revisit from previous episodes. Also: KISSING!
Rachel's rendition of Rain on My Parade is shiver-inducing-ly pitch perfect, and their interpretation of the Stone's classic is awesome, especially because it has long been a personal theme-song of mine. But my favorite has to be the closing number because of sheer exuberance + the fun of spotting the dance moves they revisit from previous episodes. Also: KISSING!
~ Kind of Blue ~
Working on my winter collection, I am dipping into a palette of deep blues, cool greys, and midnight black.
Trying to capture that icy, brilliant clarity of the winter night sky, the snow covering the pavement, your breath crystallizing in the air.
I have a playlist for my current NaNo novel, but also one for my jewelry as well. If this necklace were a song, it would be No Air.
Trying to capture that icy, brilliant clarity of the winter night sky, the snow covering the pavement, your breath crystallizing in the air.
I have a playlist for my current NaNo novel, but also one for my jewelry as well. If this necklace were a song, it would be No Air.
Song of the Month: July edition
For July, it seemed only fitting to celebrate my all-time favorite Jackson 5 song. My favorite, perhaps, because I can so clearly remember the moment I first heard it.
A cool October morning in Berlin, maybe 4 or so years ago, I was sitting in a parked car, waiting for my then paramour while he was attending to some errand. It was on a quiet, residential street lined with tall trees and gorgeous old buildings, next to a small lake with ducks and swans. A large magpie hopped about on the cobbled sidewalk. It was all so elegant, so serene. I was pensive; I'd just flown over to Germany the night before to reunite with someone who I suspected was going to make me very unhappy.
And then this tune came on the radio, and it was like a burst of sunshine interrupting my gloomy ponderings. Like being jabbed in the ribs and cheerfully told to quit being so serious already. I mean, I dare you to sit through this song and maintain a frown. It can't be done.
A cool October morning in Berlin, maybe 4 or so years ago, I was sitting in a parked car, waiting for my then paramour while he was attending to some errand. It was on a quiet, residential street lined with tall trees and gorgeous old buildings, next to a small lake with ducks and swans. A large magpie hopped about on the cobbled sidewalk. It was all so elegant, so serene. I was pensive; I'd just flown over to Germany the night before to reunite with someone who I suspected was going to make me very unhappy.
And then this tune came on the radio, and it was like a burst of sunshine interrupting my gloomy ponderings. Like being jabbed in the ribs and cheerfully told to quit being so serious already. I mean, I dare you to sit through this song and maintain a frown. It can't be done.
Song of the Month: June edition
This month's theme song could have been written just for me. It is hard not to smile at the ruthlessly cheerful lyrics, and it doesn't hurt that the lead singer is a fine example of what Stephanie would refer to as an "HBM" (Hot British Male). If, as the song assures me, I can have it all, then I'd like more of that please.
Show and Tell
Because the inside of my mind is mainly stuffed with Peruvian opals and Czech glass and golden wire these days, I haven't had many actual thoughts to share. But today I came upon a lovely blog and found the following assignment, which looked totally fun and gives me an excuse to share some pretty pictures and music.
This is the premise:
With as much creativity as you can muster, show your heart in:
1 picture
1 song or piece of music
1 phrase or quote
1 item of clothing
1 place
1 Disney princess
This is the premise:
With as much creativity as you can muster, show your heart in:
1 picture
1 song or piece of music
1 phrase or quote
1 item of clothing
1 place
1 Disney princess
1 picture:
Sometimes I think that my best photographs are all behind me. That I'll never again have the sheer fun of grabbing my old Canon, a few rolls of film, and a good friend willing to get all dolled up for a photoshoot field trip. I hope that's not true.
1 song:
1 quote:
"If your job is to dance, do your dance. If the divine cockeyed genius assigned to your case decides to let some sort of wonderment be glimpsed for just one moment through your efforts, then OLÉ, and if not, do your dance anyhow, and OLÉ to you nonetheless. OLÉ to you nonetheless just for having the sheer human love and stubbornness to keep showing up."
1 item of clothing:
Living in a hot climate has given me an appreciation for soft, airy fabrics like voile and Indian cotton. Things that feel like they are just barely brushing your skin. Nothing tight or ornate, just as natural and loose and cool as possible.
moghul flower tunic from toast
1 place:
If there is any place more comforting and full of promise than a bakery, I haven't yet been there. I'm pretty sure this is exactly what heaven smells like.
1 Disney princess:
She wasn't exactly a princess, but Alice has long been a muse of mine.
Sometimes I think that my best photographs are all behind me. That I'll never again have the sheer fun of grabbing my old Canon, a few rolls of film, and a good friend willing to get all dolled up for a photoshoot field trip. I hope that's not true.
Saratoga Springs, NY 1999
1 song:
1 quote:
"If your job is to dance, do your dance. If the divine cockeyed genius assigned to your case decides to let some sort of wonderment be glimpsed for just one moment through your efforts, then OLÉ, and if not, do your dance anyhow, and OLÉ to you nonetheless. OLÉ to you nonetheless just for having the sheer human love and stubbornness to keep showing up."
- Elizabeth Gilbert on creativity, from her brilliant talk at TED
1 item of clothing:
Living in a hot climate has given me an appreciation for soft, airy fabrics like voile and Indian cotton. Things that feel like they are just barely brushing your skin. Nothing tight or ornate, just as natural and loose and cool as possible.
moghul flower tunic from toastIf there is any place more comforting and full of promise than a bakery, I haven't yet been there. I'm pretty sure this is exactly what heaven smells like.
taken by Haribo's Photos
1 Disney princess:
She wasn't exactly a princess, but Alice has long been a muse of mine.
Annie Leibovitz for Vogue
I'd go the whole wide world...
Like pretty much everyone who saw Stranger Than Fiction, I fell in love with this old punk classic. It has been covered over the years by various musicians, and all these different versions got me thinking about how many ways there are of presenting/playing with a single idea.
The thing is, I like all of these, and I'm not the kind of purist who insists that the original is best and should be left alone. I think once you put something out there, a creation of whatever kind -- music, art, fiction -- what have you, then it becomes available for others to become inspired by and perhaps to expand on. No creation is static, and everything is open to interpretation.
Version 1: a melodic and wonderfully accented take by the Proclaimers
Version 2: German punk band Die Toten Hosen, doing it hardcore and in the spirit of Wreckless Eric's original (excuse the bit of rudeness in the beginning)
and Version 3: Will Ferrel's sweetly awkward rendition, one of my favorite moments on film.
Which is your favorite??
The thing is, I like all of these, and I'm not the kind of purist who insists that the original is best and should be left alone. I think once you put something out there, a creation of whatever kind -- music, art, fiction -- what have you, then it becomes available for others to become inspired by and perhaps to expand on. No creation is static, and everything is open to interpretation.
Version 1: a melodic and wonderfully accented take by the Proclaimers
Version 2: German punk band Die Toten Hosen, doing it hardcore and in the spirit of Wreckless Eric's original (excuse the bit of rudeness in the beginning)
and Version 3: Will Ferrel's sweetly awkward rendition, one of my favorite moments on film.
Which is your favorite??
Belated Valentine
I was actually having such a jolly time Saturday that I'd completely forgotten it was Valentine's Day. So I am late in sending you all this musical candy-gram.
Love and SweetTarts,
l
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